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Program Status Word Definition and Explanation PDF Download

Learn Program Status Word definition in operating system with explanation to study “What is Program Status Word”. Study program status word explanation with operating system terms to review operating system course for online degree programs.

Program Status Word Definition:

  • A register or set of registers that contains condition codes.

    Operating Systems by William Stallings



Program Status Word Explanation:

The Program Status Word (PSW) is a collection of data which is 64 bits long. It keeps track of the current state of the system. The bits present in the Program Status Word reflect the current CPU state. It also contains the information necessary for proper program execution.

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